King, who with his business partner Chris Corbin created and ran many of London’s top restaurants, including Wolseley next to the Ritz in Piccadilly, Delaunay on the Strand and Brasserie Zédel in Piccadilly, announced on Friday that he had lost a battle to buy his venture. , Corbin & King, out of command. Thai-born billionaire William Heinecke’s Minor International won the bidding war, which is believed to have paid more than 60 60 million in an auction held early Friday morning. Minor previously owned 74% of Corbin & King and forced the company to manage. Jeremy King. Photo: Barry Lewis / Corbis / Getty Images In an email to regular restaurants – including many FTSE 100 executives as well as celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham, Joan Collins, Nigella Lawson, Keira Knightley and Paul Smith – King said he had tried to buy the restaurants but lost Minor. “We took part in the auction to try to buy Corbin & King’s business and assets that we did not already have, including, of course, all the restaurants. “Unfortunately, this attempt failed and Minor Hotel Group was the successful bidder, buying the whole business,” he said in the email. “As a result, I no longer have any shareholding interests in the company, although I am currently an employee. “I guess Minor will take direct control of the restaurants.” Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor International, said: “Given the global reach of Corbin & King Ltd’s iconic brand portfolio, it’s no surprise that the competition for the business has been so fierce. “We are excited that our offer has been accepted and we can now look forward to building on our strong foundation to promote growth in the UK and internationally. We have exciting development plans for the business and we are delighted to embark on this journey. ” The value of The Wolseley was in how Jeremy King conducted it and how he cared for his guests. So did Zedel, The Colbert and others. A very difficult breakfast for him, Chris and his team. I wish them well, I’m sure Jeremy will remain the restaurant’s restaurant pic.twitter.com/4nAUX0DCvb – Oisín Rogers (@McMoop) April 1, 2022 A Minor spokesman said he had “the utmost respect” for Corbyn and King, but added that “now is the time to focus on growing the business in the UK and internationally without the involvement of Mr Corbyn and King”. Officially, King continues as CEO of the company. Corbin is a director. Jay Rayner, the Observer’s restaurant critic, said it would be “crazy” to continue running restaurants without the company’s founders. “Jeremy King and Chris Corbin are impeccable restaurateurs, the best in the business, and the fact that they have lost control of the brilliant team that bears their name is really sad,” said Rainer, who reviewed many of the inaugurations. restaurants and then became a freelancer because his jazz ensemble had a monthly residence in Zédel. “The only reason Minor International wants to take over the company and evict the people who made it what it is is the belief that somehow things have to change, which is crazy. “Wolseley, Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel and the rest are perfect as they are.” Rainer said that in addition to running great restaurants, Corbin and King were known for taking good care of their staff. “Their innovative and forward-thinking programs that enable seniors and parents with young children to work flexibly in their hospitality business have become a model for the rest of the industry.” Minor bought a 74% stake in Corbin & King for £ 58 million in 2017 and earlier this year forced the company into management, warning that it was “unable to meet its financial obligations”. He was at loggerheads with King, who serves as CEO of Corbin & King, arguing that the founder had repeatedly rejected “proposals to recapitalize the company”. King’s Rolodex has to be described as one of London’s most extensive restaurants, as its restaurants have been – and still are – popular with both the FTSE 100 CEOs who enjoy a hearty breakfast, as well as members of the royal family and celebrities who have fun. Joan Collins has described Wolseley’s Souffle Suisse as one of the best dishes she has ever eaten, and Lucian Freud was known to have dined at the restaurant most nights before his death in 2011.
